Newcomer and starting out..any advice?

[jono89]

Hi

I have always been interested in moths and butterflies ever since I was very young but now ive taken time off to do a gap year and would love to be able to rear some of my own butterflies/moths. Ive recently found a few species of caterpillar, both moths and butterflies in my garden. I'm currently looking after 3 cabbage whites and 1 White Ermine moth.
If I suceed with the cabbage whites I would love to keep some other species. Does anyone have any sugestions to what species/what housing etc? Can you buy live caterpillars if so, where? I'm really enthusiastic but Im doing this little project on a bit of a tight budget.

I have also looked for a local butterfly/moth group in my area but my searches have been unsucessful.

I would really apreciate your advice. Thankyou (in advance) for taking the time to read this!

Many Thanks!

Jono

[charlieb]

Here's a couple of links you might find interesting:

• Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES)
• national moth night

Whereabouts are you?

[loripo]

This company supply butterfly 'kits' - we've had some at the school where I work. It might give you some ideas anyway...

Green Gardener - Specialists in Biological control inc Nemaslug Nemasys and ladybirds for controlling slugs, vine weevils, aphids, chafer grubs,leatherjackets plus home composting, wormeries and wildlife products.

[jono89]

Thankyou both very much for your suggestions!

[jono89]

P.S. I live in Monmouth South East Wales.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by jono89

P.S. I live in Monmouth South East Wales.

There's your local Butterfly Conservation: Butterfly Conservation - South Wales Branch - Home Page and your local Wildlife Trust: Gwent Wildlife Trust who'll be more than glad to help. The Wildlife Trust have a couple of moth events coming up next month:

Saturday 5th September
(A) Moth Lamping at Castle Meadows with Dr Martin Anthoney
Castle Meadows, Abergavenny, time to be confirmed
Contact Keith White 01873 852036 for further details
Cost £1. Booking Essential

Friday 18th September
(G) National Moth Night at Silent Valley
Silent Valley Local Nature Reserve, 8:00pm – 10:30pm
FREE. Booking Essential. Suitable for families

[JackintheGreen]

You could try these stockists:

Worldwide Butterflies

[jono89]

Thankyou all for your help! Will certainly check out all links. Thanks again.

Jono.